New head for troubled school

TROUBLED Nottingham Bluecoat School and Technology College has appointed a new head.

Governors announced yesterday that Sian Hampton will take charge when the school re-opens after Easter.

Mrs Hampton, who has been acting head for 15 months, replaces Max Kay, who resigned in February after an investigation into finances at the Aspley school.

The appointment was made by a selection committee including governors, Nottingham City Council and the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.

Mrs Hampton was unavailable for comment yesterday. Governors' chairman Ronnie Ogier said the new head – chosen after a "national advertisement and thorough recruitment and interview process" – was "taking a rest" before starting her new job.

She added: "The governors' prime concern is the education of our students and the ongoing and improving success of the school."

Mr Kay resigned and site manager Kevin Darby was dismissed after an inquiry by the People's Resolution Group, a company paid by the school to investigate.

Mr Darby was sacked for gross misconduct after allegedly speaking to the media. He has since won an appeal against the sacking after a committee found there was no proof he talked to the press or was involved in financial irregularities.

He is seeking compensation for lost pay and doesn't intend to return.

"I'm not going back because I don't agree with how things are run there," he said. "I feel, after everything that happened, there has been a breach of trust between the school and myself."